Fin's Fish Guide
The West African ladyfish (Elops lacerta) is a saltwater fish of the family Elopidae that grows up to 100 cm.
Eastern Atlantic along the coast of West Africa, pelagic in coastal water, lagoons and estuaries; tolerates brackish water.
Description
The West African ladyfish is a slender, bright silvery predator of the family Elopidae reaching about 1 metre. The streamlined body has large eyes, a terminal mouth and a deeply forked tail; it is a distant relative of the tarpon. The species lives in schools in coastal water, lagoons and estuaries along the West African coast and tolerates brackish water. It hunts small schooling fish and shrimps at speed and leaps high out of the water when hooked. Notably it develops, like eels and tarpons, through a transparent, leaf-shaped leptocephalus larva. Because of its bony flesh it is mainly a valued, sporting angling fish.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the West African ladyfish?
The West African ladyfish has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Slender, bright silver predator with a deeply forked tail; a distant relative of the tarpon that develops via a transparent leptocephalus larva.
Where does the West African ladyfish live?
The West African ladyfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around open water. Eastern Atlantic along the coast of West Africa, pelagic in coastal water, lagoons and estuaries; tolerates brackish water.
How big does the West African ladyfish get?
The West African ladyfish grows to a maximum of about 100 cm. On average the species is around 60 cm.
Is the West African ladyfish dangerous to humans?
No, the West African ladyfish is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the West African ladyfish edible?
Yes, the West African ladyfish is commonly eaten.
More photos
Want the complete picture on the West African ladyfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the West African ladyfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.
All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Elops
More from the family Elopidae
Want the complete picture on the West African ladyfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the West African ladyfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.